Potty Mouth

Since my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis over 6 years ago, I have read many books about the disease. My favorite type of MS book to read are autobiographies. When I didn’t know anyone with MS, I found these books comforting, hearing someone tell me their story.

I learned about the book Potty Mouth by Renae Clare on Facebook.  I just finished it and really enjoyed it. This book talks about the struggles Renae has had throughout her life and her 40 years since diagnosis. Renae is honest about the struggles she has had and doesn't sugarcoat anything. The book is called Potty Mouth because Renae herself has a bit of a potty mouth, but c’mon… hasn’t MS made you want to say a few profanities now and again?! Renae has a theme of humor throughout the book and comes up with some pretty amusing chapter titles. Here are a few for your enjoyment:

 

“Hospital Beds and Catheters and Wheelchairs… Oh My!”

“My Mother Was Not a Dustpan”

“Koo Koo for Coupons” 

Renae started the book by suggestion of her psychotherapist, Dr. Cinzia Levalds. She wrote essays after each session and then compiled them into the book. Throughout the book you see Renae coming to terms with lifelong difficulties and her moving past them. Renae's ex-husband, whom she calls Fuckwad verbally abused her throughout their marriage and left her for another woman.  That is difficult enough to deal with, but throw MS into the mix and you've got some hard times for sure.

The book also gives helpful tips. Renae is now in a wheelchair and needs assistance. She had some rough times with hired help and tells us to upfront set boundaries (she learned the hard way) and questions we should ask the person coming into our home. She also tells us the benefits of Life Alert. Ya know.. "I've fallen and I can't get up?" Well, for those times you really can't get up, it truly is a lifesaver.

I found this book refreshing in the way that the book is completely honest and Renae is inspiring. No matter what crap life throws at you, it is always possible to come out on top. It's definitely not easy, but possible!

Find Renae's Facebook page for Potty Mouth at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Potty-Mouth/372368106132310

Or her website at http://www.thepottymouthbook.com
where you can hear Renae speak about the book in an interview.